SB 1293 Summary

• Authorizes Hawaii to enter into mutual assistance agreements with out-of-state public utilities and energy providers to restore utility services during emergencies or natural disasters.

• Adds four new statutory definitions: "mutual assistance agreement," "out-of-state utility," "public utility," and "utility facilities" to Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 127A.

• Grants the governor authority to suspend regulatory statutes and licensing laws applicable to out-of-state utilities and their employees during a declared state of emergency when necessary for emergency response.

• Establishes that mutual assistance agreements allow out-of-state utilities to repair, renovate, or install utility infrastructure damaged by disasters without compliance with standard state regulatory procedures.

• Effective date: July 1, 2050.